Cayo Santa María

The beaches of Cayo Santa María

Long beaches of white sand and turquoise sea, the great attraction of the cay and its resorts.

The main treasure of Cayo Santa María is its beaches: long stretches of very fine white sand bathed by a sea of turquoise and emerald-green tones, with generally calm and shallow waters near the shore, ideal for swimming and for families. They are long beaches that in many stretches keep a pristine air despite the presence of the big resorts, backed by coastal vegetation and mangroves. Most of the beaches are associated with the hotel complexes, with services, loungers, beach bars and non-motorized water sports, but there are also sectors and lookouts to enjoy the scenery. The good quality of the sand and water makes the cay recognized among the best beach destinations in the Caribbean. Walking along the shore at dawn or dusk, with the immensity of sea and sky, is one of the great experiences of the place. Getting there: they are the beaches in front of the cay's resorts; access is via the causeway and internal roads. Best time to go: the dry season (November to April), with a calm sea. Tips: bring sunscreen and water shoes; the Caribbean sun is intense. If you stay at a resort, check which beach activities are included in your package.

ℹ️ Distance: In front of the cay's resorts (access via the causeway) · Best time to go: Dry season (November to April), calm sea · Entry: Free access to the beach; services depending on the resort (all-inclusive) · Duration: The whole stay

The causeway from Caibarién to the cays

One of the longest roads over the sea in the world, a scenic experience to reach the cay.

The access to Cayo Santa María is, in itself, an attraction. To get there you have to travel the causeway, a very long road of about 48 kilometers built over the sea that links the fishing port of Caibarién, on the mainland, with the northern cays of Villa Clara. It's one of the longest causeways in the world and offers a spectacular route, with the sea opening on both sides, sandbanks, waters of changing colors and, often, seabirds and flamingos in the distance. Along the causeway there are points to stop and enjoy the views, and the route includes a checkpoint for access to the cays where documents are checked. Traveling it by day, with good light, lets you fully appreciate the immensity of the marine landscape. It's one of those roads that turn the simple transfer into part of the travel experience. Getting there: the causeway starts at Caibarién; it's traveled by car, taxi, transfer or excursion. Best time to go: by day, with good light, to enjoy the scenery. Tips: bring your documents for the checkpoint; drive with caution (it's a narrow road over the sea) and take the chance to stop at a lookout.

ℹ️ Distance: From Caibarién to the cays (about 48 km over the sea) · Best time to go: By day, with good light for the scenery · Entry: Free access via the road; checkpoint with document check · Duration: Approx. 45 min to 1 h of travel

Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos

The neighboring cays, with pristine beaches, snorkeling and a more secluded atmosphere.

Connected to Cayo Santa María by the same system of cays and causeway, Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos complete the tourist hub of northern Villa Clara. Cayo Las Brujas is the closest to the mainland, with a beautiful beach (Playa Salinas), a small airport, a marina and a quieter, more secluded atmosphere; it's a good base for boat and diving outings. Cayo Ensenachos, between the two, is famous for its pristine beaches and for hosting high-end resorts in an especially preserved setting. Visiting these neighboring cays lets you get to know different and often more solitary beaches than those of the big resorts, as well as enjoy snorkeling in their waters. On Cayo Las Brujas there are also relics of shipwrecks and the marina from where some boat excursions depart toward the area's reefs and sandbanks. Getting there: via the causeway and the internal roads that connect the cays; by car, taxi, transfer or excursion. Best time to go: the dry season, with a calm sea. Tips: the beaches of the neighboring cays are ideal for a half-day getaway; check whether your resort organizes transfers or excursions to Las Brujas and Ensenachos.

ℹ️ Distance: Cays neighboring Cayo Santa María (via the causeway and internal roads) · Best time to go: Dry season; calm sea · Entry: Free-access beaches; water sports and services with a cost (from about US$ 30 per person) · Duration: Half a day

Diving, snorkeling and water sports on the reefs

Coral reefs with rich marine life and abundant water sports in the cays area.

The waters of Cayo Santa María and the neighboring cays form part of the great coral reef system of northern Cuba, which makes them excellent for diving and snorkeling. The reefs are home to corals, sponges and a great variety of tropical fish, and the good visibility of the water (especially in the dry season) lets you enjoy them fully. There are also shipwreck areas and underwater formations of interest to divers. The area's water-sports centers —especially those of Cayo Las Brujas and the resorts— organize dives for different levels, snorkeling outings, catamaran excursions to sandbanks and other water sports. Sport fishing is also popular on these shallows. It's one of the best ways to discover the underwater natural richness of the Jardines del Rey of Villa Clara. Getting there: the outings depart from the cay's water-sports centers, the Cayo Las Brujas marina or organized excursions. Best time to go: the dry season, with better visibility and a calm sea. Tips: activities are usually booked in advance at the resort or the dive center; respect the reef protection rules. A snorkeling outing runs about US$ 30–35; diving, about US$ 65 for two dives.

ℹ️ Distance: Reefs off the cays (outings from water-sports centers and the marina) · Best time to go: Dry season; better visibility and calm sea · Entry: Snorkeling from US$ 30–35; diving US$ 45 one dive (US$ 40 with your own gear), US$ 65 two dives, up to US$ 240 for a package of 10 (source: cayosantamaria.info, Marlin dive center, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day

Excursion to Remedios and Santa Clara

The colonial town of Remedios (cradle of the Parrandas) and Che's city, a short distance away on the mainland.

One of the great advantages of Cayo Santa María over other Cuban cays is its proximity to two first-rate cultural destinations on the mainland. The closest is Remedios, one of the oldest colonial towns in Cuba (the eighth town founded by the Spanish), with a charming historic center, its Iglesia Mayor with a gilded altar and its stately square. Remedios is, above all, famous for the Parrandas, one of the oldest and most spectacular folk festivals in the country, which pits two neighborhoods against each other in a competition of floats, fireworks and lights (around Christmas). Somewhat farther is Santa Clara, the provincial capital, a university and revolutionary city, home to the Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial Sculptural Complex, with Che's mausoleum, and the armored train monument, landmarks in the history of the Cuban Revolution. Combining the cay's beach with these destinations lets you experience, in a few days, two very different faces of Cuba: the Caribbean rest and the historical and cultural richness of the center of the island. Getting there: by rental car, taxi or organized excursion from the cay, over the causeway to the mainland (Remedios is very close to Caibarién; Santa Clara, a bit farther). Best time to go: the dry season for comfortable touring; Remedios especially shines during the Parrandas season. Tips: excursions are booked at the resort or with operators (from about US$ 40–70 per person); the Che Memorial in Santa Clara has free admission (museum with a voluntary contribution).

ℹ️ Distance: Remedios near Caibarién; Santa Clara a bit farther (car, taxi or excursion) · Best time to go: Dry season; Remedios stands out during the Parrandas season (December) · Entry: Touring the cities is free; Che Memorial free; small museums charge about US$ 1–5 · Duration: Half a day (Remedios) to a full day (with Santa Clara)

Dolphinarium and Natural Aquarium

Encounter and swim with dolphins in a natural pool near the cays.

In the Cayos de Villa Clara area there is a dolphinarium where interaction and swim-with-dolphins programs are offered in a setting of protected waters. The activity includes a short talk, the encounter in the water with the dolphins and, depending on the program, souvenir photos. It's one of the most sought-after excursions by families with children. The outing is usually booked at the resort or with the cay's water-sports operators, and includes the transfer. It's best to book in advance, especially in high season, because the spots per session are limited. Getting there: with the transfer included from the resorts or on your own to the dolphinarium. Best time to go: all year; morning to avoid the midday heat. Tips: confirm what the program includes (swim, photos) and the schedules; the swim program costs more than the simple visit.

ℹ️ Distance: In the cays area (transfer from the resorts) · Best time to go: All year; preferably in the morning · Entry: Visit from about US$ 25; swim-with-dolphins program about US$ 50–80 (source: the cay's water-sports operators, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day (with transfer)